High-Protein Corn & White Bean Salad is fresh, filling, and full of flavor. Sweet corn, creamy avocado, and white beans are tossed with a tangy lemon pepper tofu dressing.
1teaspooncrushed peppercorns or freshly ground black pepper
1tablespoon plus 1 teaspoonnutritional yeast
Salt to taste
Salad:
15ounceswhite beanscannellini or Great Northern, canned, drained and rinsed
2smallavocadoscut into about ¾-inch pieces
1smallshallotsliced crosswise (about ½ cup), soaked in water for 5 minutes and drained
1jalapeñodeseeded, and finely chopped
⅓cuppepitaspreferably roasted
⅓cuproughly chopped fresh basil leaves
Fresh lemon juice to taste
Instructions
Cook one-half of the corn*: Heat the oil (if using) in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add three ears of corn, and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly charred. Use a pair of tongs to rotate the corn, and cook each side for about 3 minutes, or until lightly charred. Set aside to cool. (Char without oil, or simmer until just tender.)
Make the dressing: Meanwhile, place the tofu, nondairy milk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, oregano, black pepper, and nutritional yeast into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Add salt to taste.
Remove the corn kernels: Place the corn upright in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to shave the corn kernels into the bowl. Repeat for all 6 ears.
Combine ingredients: Add the beans, corn kernels, avocado, shallot, jalapeno, pepitas, and basil to a large bowl. Toss to combine. Add the desired amount of dressing and mix to combine. Add fresh lemon juice to taste.
Notes
*One-half of the corn is raw in this recipe. It is safe and enjoyable to eat raw corn kernels, especially when in season. They are crunchy and add texture to the salad. You can cook all 6 kernels if preferred.
Nondairy milk: I used unsweetened soy milk, but most unsweetened nondairy milk will work. Almond, cashew, and oat milk are good alternatives.